Communicate Effectively with Teachers: A Guide for Special Needs Parents

Updated on September 30, 2024 Listen to the Podcast

A new school year brings more than new backpacks and pencil cases: for children with autism, it can come with a host of new challenges. Every autistic child has very specific special needs unique to them–and it’s critical for their success at school that teachers understand the best way to support your child. Effective communication between you and your child’s teacher is critical. We’ve laid out below a basic guide to communicating with your child’s school so that the relationships and experiences can be as positive as possible.

Take Note of How Your Child Currently Communicates 

Communication is known to be one of the biggest challenges for people with autism. Even at Level 1 Autism, these children can have difficulty with both the actual language of a conversation, and how to maintain the flow of a conversation. For example, autistic children may favor short talks and simply walk away once they have had enough.

Therapy and a careful approach to conversations can help, of course. But one shouldn’t expect that a person with autism will ever be really comfortable with long, sophisticated talks. It’s likely that your child’s teacher will already be aware of this. However, it’s important to note where exactly your child is strong on this spectrum of communication, and where they are not. For example, they might be great at expressing what they need (food, the bathroom, etc.) but not so good at talking about how they feel. (Note: There are very useful templates out there for organizing this kind of information.) 

It is highly recommended to create a detailed document for your child’s teachers, outlining everything you want them to know about your child. The document should include information about your child’s communication skills, triggers that may lead to a meltdown, things that might help calm them down, activities your child is highly motivated to do, reinforcers that can help, and tips on how to assist your child when they are struggling. Your child’s teachers are sure to appreciate receiving this information prior to the start of the new school year.

Get to Know Your School’s Resources

Different schools provide different levels of support for special needs. At the very least, your local school should have a Special Educational Coordinator (SECO). They play the specific role of supporting special needs children, including autistic kids. This includes meeting the child and getting to know their individual nuances (time to whip out that completed template!). Because they are deeply involved with your child’s education, the SECO is a great person to speak with while building your own communications strategy (see below).  

One helpful resource that you should receive from them is an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Depending on what challenges your child faces, the IEP will set out academic, social, physical, and behavioral courses and goals. Of course, you should participate in discussing and setting goals and initiatives. The IEP also gives you a framework through which to discuss your child’s progress.  

It is highly recommended to include in the IEP section that advocates are available to help parents understand their rights and what should be included in the IEP. Wrights Law serves as the code of conduct for IEPs, and it can be overwhelming for parents to manage on their own. Additionally, ensure that all goals specified in your child’s IEP are quantifiable and measurable; nothing in the IEP should be open to interpretation.

The first IEP meeting might be intimidating, but remember, the parent (not the school) ultimately decides on their child’s IEP. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and request anything you believe will help your child succeed.

In this video, Catherine Whitcher from Master IEP Coach talks about five things you should not overlook in your child’s IEP. Tune in!

School options are of course affected by where you live and how much you can afford. If you are interested in a school that focuses specifically on children with autism, there are several options to look into:

Publicly Funded Schools for Special Education

Most cities have government-funded schools that cater to all sorts of special needs children.

Private Schools

These might offer you more resources such as the latest technologies, top-notch facilities, and staff experienced in working exclusively with kids who are autistic. 

Therapeutic Boarding Schools

For some children with autism, the environment that helps them the most is one designed to be highly therapeutic. Boarding schools for autistic kids can teach them different coping behaviors that they bring home with them.

Track and Share Your Child’s Needs

The SECO at your school might be fantastic, but there is little chance that they are constantly aware of what happens to each special needs kid in their school, every day. So it’s the job of individual parents to make sure that things are going well, and that means constant supervision and communication.

You should aim to become a familiar figure around the school. By starting with the SECO, learn who is teaching your child and reach out to them for regular meetings, preferably once a month if that is an option.  When meeting with your child’s teachers, always come prepared with notes and questions that are important to you to ensure the meeting is focused on your child’s needs. And don’t forget to show your appreciation to teachers who are giving you their time.

Secondly, keep records of your meetings and child’s progress. Not all development will be in the form of scores. For example, a child’s behavioral development will need to be assessed by talking to the child and teachers, and writing down the details. 

There are three areas of adjustments that are essential to track:

• Accommodations. These are small changes that help your child to learn at the same comfort level as most other children. Accommodations can include printouts of lesson content, getting to sit in the same place every day, and an effort to minimize sensory distractions in the classroom.


• Arrangements. This usually connects to testing and may include extra time, opportunities to use the bathroom, access to a writing device, and being able to sit in a calm environment.


• Awareness. How well does each relevant professional know your child, their challenges, and their progress? You’ll find yourself thankful for the ones who show the highest level of interest. Also, ask the school if mentors are available for special needs children.

Additional Resources that Support School Time

Beyond the people and departments within your child’s school, there are many resources that can help you help your child on their educational journey. 

Technology

A range of augmentative and alternative communication devices have been designed to support children with autism. One example is the AngelSense Assistive Technology which includes an Autism Tracker Device, a small wearable that allows a caregiver to know a child’s location and speed of travel, communicate directly, and even receive a distress signal.

Tailored Support Plans

There are many organizations out there that will help you build plans to support your child’s education, therapy, personal life, and home care needs. This can range from private companies that guide you through building a plan to simple templates that you can fill out and then give to relevant caregiver institutions.   

Community

There are a large number of local, area, and national organizations that are run by parents of autistic children. They have absolutely been where you are, and will have some excellent tips about handling common school issues.

Benefits that Last for Life

As your child begins the new year, in a new grade with a new teacher and perhaps even at a new school, it’s important to be as prepared as you can for their success. All of the effort you put in today will pay off dividends down the road, as your child continues to learn and develop. And effective communication is one of the key building blocks of that strong foundation. The tools that your child will gain in school, with the proper customized support from their community, will give them increased confidence and, ultimately, greater independence.